Latecomers prevented from appearing for KPSC exam

A number of candidates scheduled to write an examination, for non-technical posts, conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), were turned away at one of the centres in the city on Sunday as they arrived late. 

Candidates who had their centre at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Dairy Circle arrived late and were not allowed despite repeated requests and pleas. Many candidates who were allotted the college as their centre were from outside Bengaluru. The exam was for Group ‘C’ posts and was conducted across the state. While the exam was to begin at 10 am, candidates were asked to be seated by 9.30 am. There were clear instructions that candidates will not be allowed inside the centre after 9.30 am.

Sushma, a resident of Kolar, started for Bengaluru from her home at 5.30 am and reached the Government ITI at Diary Circle at 9.45 am. Her father Chikkachowdappa, a farmer, said, “We came from a far away place and were not able to locate the campus as there are various entrances to the centre. My daughter arrived just 15 minutes late but was not allowed. Now, she will have to wait an entire year to write the exam,” he said.

Another candidate who wrote the exam complained that the address was not mentioned properly in the admit card and candidates found it difficult to trace the venue. 

“There are a number of campuses within the Government ITI and candidates can get easily confused. No helpline numbers were given in the admit card. There are a number of rural candidates who appear for the exams. In matters such as this, leniency must be shown,” he said. 

Ramesh Desai, Principal, Government ITI, Dairy Circle said that he had no choice but to follow the rules. “There were two blind students who came with their guides on time. If they can come on time, why not people with able bodies? I have no discretionary powers and not been authorised to show any leniency,” said Desai.